Brent & Kilburn Times; "New community garden opens in Harlesden"

Link to web site

Budding gardeners and their green-fingered families gathered in Harlesden on Saturday to celebrate the revival of a new community green space.

Dozens of families enjoyed free face-painting, a bouncy castle and flower potting at the official launch event of the Harlesden town garden project in Challenge Close, St Mary's Road.

"... Bridget Geehan, who came with daughter Eilis, 4, said:

"I didn’t even know this little park existed until today, and now I have put my name down with two friends to tend one of the raised beds.

It's great to see how the hard work of Friends of Harlesden Team has reclaimed this space for local families."

Suggested Town Team policies on transport issues

HTT Combined Extended - Pages 1 to 5

OLD OAK COMMON

It is suggested that Harlesden Town Team should have some overall policies regarding the huge Old Oak Common development, south of Willesden Junction Station.

The PDF file above illustrates some possible transport policies. Take a look at the five pages.

Please send the Town Team any comments.

We expect to agree the transport policy at an HTT meeting.

Referring to each of the five pages in turn, the policy might be:

    (Page 1)
The Town Team welcomes development at the Old Oak Common area, but wants walking, cycling and the use of public transport to be paramount, and wants to discourage extra use of the private car

    (Page 2)
The Town Team welcomes the aspiration of Boris the Mayor for a new London Overground service from Old Oak Common across Brent, via Harlesden and Neasden stations

    (Page 3)
This map roughly shows the area of the 'Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation', which has taken over the planning of the area from the three boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham

    (Page 4)
The new High Speed 2 and Crossrail station will serve as many passengers as Waterloo station. Old Oak Common may also generate 24,000 homes and 55,000 jobs. This map shows our suggestion for a 'Harlesden Bypass'. That will avoid all the extra traffic falling on the existing A404 Harrow Road / Harlesden High Street through Harlesden. We would try and divert all heavy lorries on to the bypass, instead of passing through Harlesden.

    (Page 5)
This map summarises all railway links in the area - existing, agreed, and speculative. The Town Town would lobby for the maximum investment in railway links like these, as well as for cycle routes and new and enhanced bus services.

WILLESDEN JUNCTION STATION

Harlesden Town Team has found out that there may be improvements to Willesden Junction station, due to the Old Oak Common development.

Please consider what sort of changes you would like to see there, and tell the Town Team.

In particular though, we would like to suggest the following:

(1) The 'high-level' platforms should be moved, so that a new booking office can be opened on the Harlesden High Street road bridge (part of the A404 Harrow Road).

It would still be easy to get between those platforms and the existing 'low-level' platforms, for the Bakerloo Line and Euston-Watford Junction trains.

The horrible steep steps from Harlesden High Street and the long footpath to the station would be removed.

Instead, there would be wide covered steps, and a lift, directly from the booking office to the 'high-level' platforms.

(2) A wide and well-lit footpath over the main line tracks has been mentioned, from the Old Oak Common area. We want that path extended. It should connect to both Station Approach off Station Road, and to Harlesden High Street, next to the new booking office.

We don't want to allow road traffic over that bridge from Old Oak Common.

(3) The Town Team would support a new road across the station land. It would join up Station Approach and Harlesden High Street, and would reduce traffic on Tubbs Road and Nightingale Road. However, it might have to be limited to buses and cycles, to stop it being overwhelmed by traffic avoiding the centre of Harlesden.

Please give any comments on this subject to the Town Team.

LB of Brent: "Have your say on walking in Brent"

"Brent Council are asking as part of its Walking Strategy, a campaign to encourage people to walk more in the borough.

"A short questionnaire asks how often you walk, what the barriers are to walking in the borough and what improvements the council could make to encourage people to walk more are.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Brent Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said:

"We are committed to making Brent a borough that is accessible for all and walking as a mode of transport is a key part of that aim.

Getting more people walking in Brent would mean fewer vehicles on Brent’s busy roads, it would mean better air quality for everyone in the borough and as a form of exercise, it would mean that residents are healthier too.

I would ask that as many residents as possible complete the questionnaire and let us know what we can do here to help make Brent a better borough."

To take part visit brent.gov.uk/walkingstrategy before October 19."

Brent Council: "Application to designate the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area and the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum"

The Harlesden Neighbourhood Planning Forum submitted a valid joint application to designate the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area and the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum on 8 July 2015.

The joint application has been prepared by the Harlesden Forum to guide development in the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area. Neighbourhood Planning is a community-led process that enables people to help shape development in their local area. Once adopted a neighbourhood plan becomes part of the planning framework for that area.

• Read more about Neighbourhood Planning

The proposed neighbourhood area includes land within both Brent and the Old Oak and Park Royal Mayoral Development Area, as shown on the attached map. The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) are the local planning authority in the Mayoral Development Area.

Brent Council and the OPDC have assessed the joint application and are satisfied that it complies with the statutory requirements as set out in the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 and Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The joint application and supporting documents were published for a 6 week period from 13 July to 25 August 2015.

During this period, the application documents were made available to view at Harlesden Library and Wembley Library. The documents are also available to download.

• Neighbourhood Area Map (.pdf, 581.5kB) 
• Neighbourhood Area and Forum Application (.pdf, 1.09MB) 

The documents can also be viewed on the OPDC website. 
The joint application for the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area and Forum designation includes a:

• map identifying the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area
• statement explaining why this area is considered appropriate for designation as the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area
• statement explaining how the proposed forum meets the conditions set out in legislation
• description of the consultation process undertaken to identify a neighbourhood boundary and;
• statement declaring the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum as a relevant body, a list of forum members and the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum Constitution.

The consultation is now closed.

Please note

If the designation of the Harlesden Neighbourhood Area and the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum is made, no other organisation or body may be designated for that neighbourhood area until that designation expires or is withdrawn.

The next steps

After considering all comments received, the council and OPDC will determine the applications separately and will publish statements setting out the decision in relation to designating the forum and area, and the reason for making that decision.

The OPDC will be responsible for designating the neighbourhood area and forum for land within the Mayoral Development Area, whilst we will be responsible for designating both within the remainder of the proposed neighbourhood area.

Willesden Junction: Come and see the sewage flowing down the wall!

Suggested Harlesden Town Team position on Old Oak Common: 'Public Transport First', extra car traffic last

HTT Combined Extended

Brent & Kilburn Times: Old Oak Common, Cargiant, Queens Park Rovers (whatever) and the corrupt Brent Cross planning consent

Mon 6 July: Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum

Special Meeting Called!

"In April we submitted applications to Brent Council and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to designate our neighbourhood plan area and neighbourhood forum.

"They have responded that we need to amend one point in our constitution in order for the neighbourhood forum application to go forward. The clause in question is in section 7 of the constitution: 'The Committee may refuse membership, or may terminate or suspend the membership of any member by resolution passed at a Committee meeting where it is considered membership would be detrimental'.

"The proposed amendment to the constitution is that this clause is removed from the Harlesden Neighbourhood Planning Forum constitution in order to meet the local planning authorities’ requirements.

"Those who qualify for full Forum membership will vote on removing this clause as proposed. Amendments to the constitution can only be discussed at a special meeting of the Forum (rather than an ordinary general meeting). We are therefore calling a special meeting of the Forum for Monday 6th July, 6.30 – 8.30pm.

"We will need a minimum of 15 full Forum members there so please encourage local friends, colleagues and neighbours to join the meeting. If they are not yet a member they can contact Sara for a membership form at sara@liftpeople.org.uk.

Register here (there is no need to print a ticket).

---

The Harlesden Town Team meeting is postponed from 6 to 13 July.

Current Crossrail and London Overground proposals at Old Oak Common (Harlesden South)

(Click to enlarge)

Brent & Kilburn Times: "New homes, shops, high street, jobs and businesses could be built in Harlesden"

Link to web site

"Thousands of new homes and a high street could be built as part of the redevelopment of a car-dealership site in Harlesden and Park Royal.

"The plans for the 46 acre Cargiant land at Old Oak Common also includes new schools, nurseries, play spaces, health facilities, restaurants, bars and a cultural quarter which promises to transform the area.

"Once transformed the site which will be called Old Oak Park will also incorporate one million sq ft of commercial office and workspace and create thousand of new jobs for a part of Brent that struggles with high-unemployment levels."

Sun 14 June, 12pm - 5pm: The Mayhew Animal Home Open Day

Link to web site

"On Sunday 14 June we are once again holding The Mayhew Animal Home annual summer Open Day, in order to raise funds for the homeless cats and dogs at our rescue and rehoming centre.

"For one day only, our charity is able to close off the road outside the centre and host an array of stalls and activities. Visitors on the day will be able to enjoy browsing the array of items for sale, taking part in games and activities and meeting some of the residents looking for new homes.

"We have a Very Important Dog making an appearance. Jake is a former Mayhew dog and is now a specially trained explosives search dog. He will be giving a demonstration of his skills on the day."

New trains for Euston-Watford Junction line (thanks to the Fat Controller)

fpc-20150617-item16-part-1-lotrain[1]

Plans for Wembley

2015-06 Quintain Your Wembley 2015 Flyer A5 AW HR

Cargiant: London Communications Agency finally communicates

To: Grand Union Alliance members, friends and contacts

"Following the presentation of Car Giant and QPR development proposals at a non-public session of the last Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) meeting, Car Giant is organising some public consultations events. These are set out below.

"In addition, regarding the event on Saturday 20th June at the Thames Harriers Clubhouse at the Linford Christie Stadium, the developer and key members of their development team, will provide: a presentation to GUA members, friends and contacts (in a separate room at 11am), a question and answer session and refreshments (as requested at the last GUA meeting).

"Car Giant consultation events:

• Thursday 18 June (3:30-7:30pm): Cumberland House
• Friday 19 June (4-7pm): Cumberland House
• Saturday 20 June (10am-4pm): Thames Harriers Clubhouse, Linford Christie Stadium
• Thursday 25 June (3:30-7:30pm): Harlesden Methodist Church
• Saturday 27 June (10am-4pm): Harlesden Methodist Church
• Thursday 2 July (3:30-7:30pm): Holiday Inn London West
• Saturday 4 July (10am-4pm): Holiday Inn London West

"Eva Psychrani
Project Worker
London Tenants Federation"

The Guardian: "Brixton's anti-gentrification protest: identifying the problems is one thing, fixing them is another"

"The Reclaim Brixton demonstration expressed fears that the area's character is being diluted and displaced. But the Foxtons estate agent is unlikely to go away, and the people it sells houses to won't stop coming, argues Dave Hill"

Link to web site

"On paper, stopping gentrification is easy. At last Saturday’s Reclaim Brixton demonstration in south London, a list of solutions was written on three wide lengths of the stuff, taped to a wall in Windrush Square. Most focused on housing and the policies of local, Labour-run Lambeth Council:

"Build more houses for working people"

"Rent caps"

"Lambeth to stop evictions"

"[Lambeth to] Prioritise repair of estates over regeneration"

"Someone expressed the wish for a council scheme to protect small businesses deemed representative of 'the community'. There was also an assertion, echoed throughout the day, that 'Lambeth is not for sale'.

"These missives expressed the views of specific local campaigns, but also illuminated the force fuelling anxieties about gentrification in many parts of the capital – the rising value of property and land, and the rapid social changes this is driving."

Railway Archives: "Euston Station 1968"

1968: "A colour brochure marking the completion of the controversial new station at London Euston as part of the West Coast Electrification project. The station replaced the former London & North Western Railway shed, and resulted in the demolition of the famous Euston Arch."

Link to web site

---

1966: "A promotional book for the recently-completed London - Manchester/Liverpool West Coast Electrification scheme. The book includes adverts by contractors, details of the project administration and technical innovations, as well as a look at the cities which the new network would reach. Also included are colour impressions of the new Euston, Manchester and Wolverhampton stations."

Link to web site

---

1974: "A promotional booklet for the recently-completed second stage of the West Coast Electrification, from Weaver Junction to Glasgow. Includes a potted history of the route, the development of electrification systems from 1500V DC to 25kV AC, and details of the infrastructure and rolling stock changes introduced for the May 1974 timetable."

Link to web site

The Harlesden Bypass: The latest version

Comments submitted to Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation:

"... Willesden Junction needs a ticket hall on the A404 High Street Harlesden, and the 'high-level' platforms resited to that straighter section of track."

...

"... East-west links will no longer be poor with a Harlesden Bypass.

"But will this just absorb the low-level of vehicle traffic generated at Old Oak and Park Royal, or displace other existing traffic from the A404 Harrow Road, and thus be continually congested?

"That is for you, the Development Corporation, to research, and avoid.

"One reason a north-bound motorist might stay on the A404 would be the less-than-straightforward connection at the North Circular Road, to continue on the A404 towards Wembley. But the Harlesden Bypass might be an attractive route for northbound motorists joining the A406 North Circular Road, for either direction."

Click above to enlarge,
or link to Park Royal Town web site.

Wed 8 April: Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum

Harlesden+Neighbourhood+Forum+Launch+Event+detailed+programme+02.04.15

Watford Junction connections: "TfL takes over Croxley rail link after DfT raises “fundamental concerns” over council’s leadership"

Link to MayorWatch

"Responsibility for building two new Metropolitan line stations at Watford Junction and Watford High Street has been passed to Transport for London after the project encountered “considerable” cost overruns and delays.

"The Croxley Rail Link scheme was to be overseen by Hertfordshire County Council which was working in partnership with London Underground and Network Rail."

Brent Borough Plan 2015-2019: "A Plan for the Future" (yes, that is rather implied by the title)

Link to load PDF file

"Towards the end of 2014 we asked what things that mattered most to you, and what suggestions you had for making Brent an even better place to live and work.

"We listened closely to what you said and we’ve put together the Brent Borough Plan.

"This plan sets out how we can build a better Brent together.

"It's an ambitious plan which will be led by the Council, working with our partners and with you.

"By working together, the plan aims to make Brent a:

• safer, more attractive and more environmentally-friendly borough


• borough with good quality housing and engaging arts and leisure facilities


• more inclusive borough, for those who live and work in Brent including our children, young people and vulnerable residents


• borough with greater opportunities for people to achieve work and prosper


• healthy borough where residents are supported and cared for when they need it most.

"Our vision is to make Brent a great place to live and work."

Tue 10 Mar: "Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework" (Will the Mayor rat on previous assurances, and award planning consent based on THAT, or wait for a publicly-funded and examined Local Plan in 2016?)

Draft Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework[1]

Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework (2015)

The Mayor of London is consulting on the Draft Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework which will be Supplementary Planning Guidance to the London Plan. The draft framework has been produced by the Greater London Authority with contributions from Transport for London and the London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham.

It sets out an ambitious vision and planning guidance to capitalise on future transport improvements to deliver transformative change at Old Oak, regeneration of Park Royal and continue the protection of Wormwood Scrubs.

The draft Opportunity Area Planning Framework and its supporting documents are available on the below hyperlinks:

Draft Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework.pdf
The document has also been split into individual contents sections:

1. Contents and introduction.pdf
2 Vision and Objectives.pdf
3 Land use strategy.pdf
4 Design strategy.pdf
5a Old Oak strategy.pdf
5b Old Oak places Part 1.pdf
5b Old Oak places Part 2.pdf
5b Old Oak places Part 3.pdf
6 Park Royal strategy.pdf
7 Wormwood Scrubs strategy.pdf
8 Transport strategy.pdf
9 Environment strategy.pdf
10 Delivery strategy.pdf
Appendix 1: Old Oak Update [no link offered]
Appendix 2: HS2 Petition Items [no link offered]
Appendix 3: Contextual Analysis [no link offered]
Supporting document: OOPR OAPF draft IIA Report.pdf
Supporting Document: OOPR OAPF HRA Screening Report.pdf
Supporting Document: OOPR OAPF SEA Screening Report.pdf
Supporting Document: Park Royal Atlas
Supporting Document: OOC Transport Study.pdf

Public drop-in sessions will be taking place on the below days to enable local people to discuss proposals and provide their views.

• Tuesday 10 March, 3:30pm to 8pm – All Souls Church, Harlesden, NW10 4UJ
• Wednesday 11 March, 8:30am to 10:30am – Holiday Inn Express, North Acton, W3 6UP
• Saturday 14 March – 10am to 3pm – Linford Christie Outdoor Sports Centre, Artillery Way, W12 0DF

You can provide your comments either via email to oldoakparkroyal@london.gov.uk, or in writing to:

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London,
(Draft Old Oak & Park Royal OAPF),
Greater London Authority,
Post Point 18, City Hall,
Queens Walk,
London SE1 2AA.

Paper copies also available upon request by contacting either of the addresses above. Paper copies of the OAPF are also available to view during normal office hours at the following locations:

• Harlesden Library, NW10 8SE
• Old Oak Community Centre, Braybook Street, W12 0AP
• City Hall, Queens Walk, London, SE1 2AA

The consultation will close at 5pm on 14 April 2015.

---

Vision for Old Oak (2013)

In 2013, the Mayor, Transport for London (TfL), plus the London Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent and Ealing consulted on the Vision for Old Oak - which sought views on a 30 year vision for development around the planned Old Oak Common station.  The document and consultation responses have been used to inform the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework (2015). You can view the Vision and consultation responses here:

Old Oak Consultation Leaflet
Old Oak - part 1
Old Oak - part 2

Old Oak Vision consultation responses 2014.pdf

Summary of all Old Oak responses in A3 Mar 14 v1.pdf

---

Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework (2011)

The Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework was adopted by the Mayor in 2011. The document will eventually be superseded by the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework (2015), upon its adoption later this year. It is available here:

Park Royal Planning Framework Chapters 1-9 PDF (9MB)
Park Royal Planning Framework Chapters 10-12 PDF (10MB)
Park Royal Planning Framework text only RTF (500KB)

Related documents	Size
OOPR OAPF SEA Screening Report.pdf	58.25 KB
OOPR OAPF HRA Screening Report.pdf	544.48 KB
OOPR OAPF draft IIA Report.pdf	6.35 MB
Draft Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework.pdf	20.08 MB
1. Contents and introduction.pdf	751.65 KB
2 Vision and Objectives.pdf	328.83 KB
3 Land use strategy.pdf	874.03 KB
4 Design strategy.pdf	476.4 KB
5a Old Oak strategy.pdf	951.73 KB
5b Old Oak places Part 1.pdf	6.93 MB
5b Old Oak places Part 2.pdf	7.51 MB
5b Old Oak places Part 3.pdf	7.22 MB
6 Park Royal strategy.pdf	413.08 KB
7 Wormwood Scrubs strategy.pdf	228.37 KB
8 Transport strategy.pdf	938.86 KB
9 Environment strategy.pdf	403.12 KB
10 Delivery strategy.pdf	1.32 MB
OOC Transport Study.pdf	7.39 MB

Brent & Kilburn Times: "Owen Jones comes to Harlesden to support Brent’s anti cuts campaign"

Link to web site

"Brent residents must stand together if they hope to succeed in their fight against the council’s cuts.

"This was the message from Owen Jones, the outspoken commentator and author of books 'Chavs: The Demonisation of the Working Class', and 'The Establishment and How They Get Away With It', speaking at an event hosted by Brent Fightback at Harlesden's Tavistock Hall, in Harlesden High Street, on Tuesday night. He said:

"I travel all over the country, going to see as many people as I can to support them in their fight for justice. I particularly like the self-made group Brent Fightback, and I’ve come here to lend my support and lend my solidarity to their campaign."

Harlesden Clock is back! Celebrated by Harlesden Town Team, local residents and politicians. (Other political parties are available.)

(Click to make Leroy bigger)

Pictures supplied by 'Wembley Matters':

"Brent Council puts the clock back".

Sat 14 Feb: Winding up the Harlesden Clock

Sat 14 Feb, noon to 4pm: "Jubilee Clock to return to Harlesden on Valentine’s Day"

Link to Brent & Kilburn Times

"An iconic landmark in Harlesden will be returning next month after it was removed to allow a £4.5million regeneration project of the town centre to take place.

"The Jubilee Clock will be relocated to a different position in the High Street after it was moved from its original position on a traffic island in last June year.

"During its absence the clock, which dates back to 1887, has been restored to its original condition."

Kilburn to Kensal Radio

Link to web site

"Kilburn to Kensal Radio broadcasts live from North West London, with all types of music and chat (funk, soul, hip hop, jazz, drum and bass, reggae, dub, bashment, ska, dubstep, house, techno, metal, you name it. We also talk about a whole host of things, with comedy, hot chat and politics."

First ever Green Party radio show!

Harlesden's new High Street emerges out of the road works...

Blog on the Block: "Harlesden Gentrification"

Link to web site

"Harlesden gentrification was a topic discussed on the BBC London drivetime show with Eddie Nestor on 25 November.

"What is gentrification? Is it a good or bad thing? How has your local high street changed? Do you prefer to park in front of your local shop or do you prefer to walk? Find out more by reading the full transcript of the discussion:

"Eddie Nestor: 'Looking at how London has changed or in some parts of London, is actually changing. Today we’re looking at how regeneration . . . we're looking at gentrification, so far as shopping centres, the centre of town, how difficult it makes it for shops to carry on their business. Local shop owners in Harlesden tell us how it's affecting their business'."

Fri 5 - Sat 6 Dec: Car Giant's Old Oak Common proposals

Link to 'Old Oak Park' [sic] web site

Old Oak Park Exhibition Newsletter One